Aston Martin V8 Vantage S Red Bull Racing Edition debuts

There's an all-new V8 Vantage coming from Aston Martin this year, but that hasn't stopped the British brand staging the world debut of a special-edition version of the outgoing model today in Melbourne.

Just as it promised in February, Aston today revealed the Vantage S Red Bull Racing Edition on the eve of the 2017 Formula 1 Rolex Australian Grand Prix.

Priced at $259,995 plus on-road costs, first local deliveries will take place in the second quarter of this year.

The V12 version is priced at $422,770 plus on-road costs and a total of just 17 examples will be available in Australia.

Aston also used the opportunity to stage the Melbourne debut of the Vanquish S, which is priced at $489,950 plus on-road costs.

Both models were displayed in front of 200 VIP guests – including Aston Martion CEO Dr Andy Palmer -- at the Victorian capital's landmark new multi-million-dollar showroom in Richmond, which also opens in the second quarter.

Also in attendance at the special preview event were Red Bull Racing Team Principal Christian Horner and Chief Technical Officer Adrian Newey.

The V8 Vantage S Red Bull Racing Edition was unveiled to guests by Red Bull Racing drivers Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen, who drove the car in to the event venue and whose signatures will adorn both the car's sill and under-bonnet plaques.

Both models take inspiration from Red Bull Racing’s distinctive race livery by featuring a deep Mariana Blue paint finish, although gloss
Tungsten Silver or satin Mariana Blue paints are also available.

Complementing Aston Martin’s signature paint finish is a race-inspired carbon-fibre
splitter, diffuser, grille and side strakes, while red infills on the grille and yellow brake callipers complete the colour scheme.

Inside, additions include Red Bull Racing head restraint embroidery, carbon-fibre trim inlays and a full-leather steering wheel with 12 o’clock accent stripe.

“With the 2017 Formula 1 Rolex Australian Grand Prix happening this weekend, we are thrilled to have the new V8 Vantage S Red Bull Racing Edition model make its global debut here in stunning Melbourne," said Palmer today.

"Motorsport will always be a key part of Aston Martin’s DNA, and our innovative partnership with Red Bull Racing highlights our dedication to bringing that ethos direct to our customers.

"I am also delighted to announce that I will personally be driving a V8 Vantage S Red Bull Racing Edition around the Melbourne circuit this Sunday in the lead-up to the 2017 Formula 1 Rolex Australian Grand Prix.

“We are also proud to unveil the new Vanquish S to the Melbourne market. We have already seen great early interest in the new model locally.”